Sony Computer Entertainment has officially announced that it would release its new handheld video game system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) (PSP-1000), on December 12, 2004, at a recommended retail price of 19,800 yen excluding tax (20,790 yen including tax) (USD 195, Euros 153.7) for the Japanese market.
With high-quality graphics processing capability equivalent to that of PlayStation 2, in addition to rich stereo sound, PSP offers the joy of playing full-scale 3D-CG games and viewing high resolution video images anytime, anywhere.
Equipped with a wireless LAN feature (IEEE802.11b), PSP enables users to connect to the Internet through access points, making it possible for users to download game characters and content and also to play games on-line with families, friends and on-line community members. For a more intimate gaming experience, a maximum of 16 PSP systems can be connected wirelessly through the ad-hoc mode allowing family and friends to create an instant yet powerful local on-line entertainment community.
PSP features an integrated high output lithium-ion battery that provides play time of between 4 and 6 hours for game titles and continuous 4 to 5 hours for video viewing. (SCEI actual measurement)
With PSP, the world of PlayStation, peoplefs most favorite platform, is further enhanced. A 4.3 inch wide 16:9 high resolution LCD screen, the largest in a handheld gaming device, creates a personal environment in which to enjoy games, music and video anytime, anywhere, with a dynamism that has never been possible before.
To accompany the launch of the PSP system, a total of 21 game titles from SCE and third party software developers and publishers will be released by the end of this year. In addition to these titles, over 100 exciting new titles are currently in development. Innovative titles using the unique features of PSP, as well as PSP versions of hit titles that have been the drivers of the PlayStation platform will continuously be introduced.
Entertainment software of an entirely new category mixing game, music and video on a single UMD is expected to be released in spring 2005, further enriching the world of PSP.
With PlayStation, PlayStation 2 and PSP, SCEI will continue to expand the market and create a new world of computer entertainment.
Official PSP Specs.
Product Name: PSP (PlayStation Portable)
Color: Black
Product Code: PSP-1000
Recommended Retail Price: 19,800 yen (20,790 yen tax inclusive)
Dimensions: Approximately 170mm (W) x 23mm (H) x 74mm (D)
Weight: Approximately 280g (including battery)
CPU: PSP CPU (System clock frequency 1333MHz)
Main Memory: 32MB Embedded
DRAM: 4MB
Display: 4.3 inch, 16:9 Wide screen TFT LCD 480 x 272 pixel, 16.77 million colors Maximum luminance: 180/130/80cd/m2 (when using battery pack)
Maximum luminance: 200/180/80cd/m2 (when using AC adaptor)
Sound: Built-in stereo speakers
Main Input/Output: IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi) USB 2.0 (mini-B) Memory Stick PRO Duo IrDA IR Remote (SIRCS)
Main Connectors: Memory Stick Duo Slot USB connector DC OUT connector DC IN 5V connector Headset connector Keys/Switches: Directional buttons (Up/Down/Right/Left) Analog Stick Enter keys (Triangle, Circle, Cross, Square) Left, Right buttons x 1 START button, SELECT button, HOME button x 1 POWER/HOLD switch x 1 Display button, Sound button, Volume +/- buttons x 1 Wireless LAN switch (ON/OFF) x 1 OPEN latch (UMD) x 1
Power: Lithium-ion Battery AC Adaptor
Disc Drive: UMD Drive (Read only)
Profile: PSP Game UMD Audio (profile name TBD) UMD Video (profile name TBD)
Codec: Video: H.264 / AVC MP Level3
Audio: ATRAC3plus MP3
Security: (Encryption) 128bit AES (Copyright protection technology) MagicGate
Access control: Region, Parental Control
Wireless communications: Infrastructure mode Ad hoc mode (connection up to 16 consoles) Supplied accessories: AC adaptor Battery pack
